Description
These simple, chewy peanut butter oatmeal cookies require minimal ingredients and active time, making them a perfect budget-friendly, pantry-staple treat for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter (standard brand like Jif or Skippy)
- 1 ½ cups (120g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt (for topping)
- Optional: ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or peanut butter chips
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until liquid. Add peanut butter and microwave for another 30-45 seconds until soft and pourable. Stir until smooth and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is coated and slightly grainy.
- Add the old-fashioned oats and stir vigorously until every oat is coated in the peanut butter mixture. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15 minutes (optional but recommended to prevent spreading).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls, roll between palms to smooth, and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden, but centers still look soft.
- Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt while hot.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a plate.
Notes
Do not use natural peanut butter as it can make cookies greasy. Ensure you use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for the correct texture. Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading. Underbake slightly for a chewy center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies, 3-ingredient recipe, easy cookies, chewy cookies, budget baking, family favorites, quick dessert